Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has called on youths across the country to make and embrace right choices to ensure their secured future and contribute to a safer society.
The police boss gave the advice at the 2025 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) and held last Saturday at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.
The 2025 Children’s Day was held in an air of conviviality with a timely, vibrant and inspiring, with the theme “Every Right, Every Child.”
The event drew children from over 20 schools across the state, along with traditional rulers, senior police officers, stakeholders, and special guests in attendance.
The day featured a blend of fun and education, ranging from motivational talks and games to parades, debates, quizzes and award presentations.
The students present at the celebration participated in engaging activities designed to educate and inspire them.
IGP Egbetokun celebrated children at the event, just as he commended POCACOV for a good event on preventive policing.
The IGP, represented by AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who is the AIG Zone 2 Lagos, hailed the initiative as a fine example of preventive policing in action.
He commended the organisers for what he described as an improved event compared to previous years, and youths to make wise choices that will secure their future and contribute to a safer society.
IGP Egbetokun advised Nigerian youths not to partake in anything that would affect their academics and health or retard their progress.
He urged them to rather engage in ventures that would promote excellence as regards their productivity and contribution to the socio-economic development of their country.
“The youths should make wise choices and do things that will promote their growth, their well-being and contributions to a safer society and national development,” he advised.
Lagos State Commissioner Of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, represented by ACP Vera Ameh-Akpa, restated the value of efforts by POCACOV in sensitising young people against cultism and other harmful behaviours.
National Coordinator of POCACOV, ACP Olabisi Okuwobi, highlighted the growing impact of the campaign, projecting that with sustained engagement, the number of young people free from vices in the next five years will be remarkable.
“This event is proof that POCACOV is being embraced by the youth,” ACP Okuwobi added.
Dr. Moses Oladimeji, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of POCACOV and founder of Mosart Art Academy, described the event as a celebration of children and a reminder of the need to embrace positive values.
Royal representative, Chief Akeem Oladipupo Ojora, speaking on behalf of Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire of Ojora and Ijora Kingdom, praised the campaign as a timely intervention to guide young people.
He called on parents, educators, and community leaders to model integrity and good decision-making.
Philanthropist and founder of Okachi Charity Foundation, Faith Morey, also lent her voice in support of POCACOV’s mission, emphasising her foundation’s commitment to education and crime prevention among youths.
In their feedback, students described the event as fun, enlightening, and empowering, with many pledging to live by the values shared through the POCACOV campaign.
